Filing cabinet or the like



New. M, 1939. A. c. STRAYER 2.179.904

FILING CABINET OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 12, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet..l

Nov. 14, 1939.

A. C. STRAYER FILING CABINET OR THE LIKE Filed Nov. 12, 193B 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 gwua/wbom Patented Nov. 14, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to a filing cabinet or the like, and it is an object of the invention to provide a structure of this kind including a casing and a drawer working therein and wherein the casing and drawer are provided with coacting means normally operating to prevent complete withdrawal of the drawer from within the casing but allowing such complete withdrawal of the drawer upon upward tilting of the drawer after being substantially entirely withdrawn.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a cabinet of this kind including a casing and a drawer working therein and wherein the casing at opposite sides of the mouth portion thereof is provided with inwardly disposed pins to engage the rear portion of the drawer to normally limit the extent of withdrawal of the drawer from the casing and to allow the drawer to drop down in slanting position and be supported by the pins when the drawer is extended.

Another object of the invention is to provide a filing cabinet structure wherein the mouth portion of the casing at opposite sides thereof is provided with suitably positioned pins for coaction with both the front and rear portions of the drawer to limit the normal extent of withdrawal of the drawer and to assure the drawer when fully inserted to be balanced and properly aligned with the mouth of the casing.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a cabinet structure wherein the casing is provided with means whereby it may be eifec- I tively maintained in desired position when comprised in a stack.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a structure of this kind wherein the drawer has associated therewith a support or follower which, when in applied position within the drawer, requires but little space so that a very small amount of space is occupied by the follower or support.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cabinet structure of this kind including the use of a follower or support, said follower or support and the side walls of the drawer being so constructed and arranged to provide means whereby the follower or support may be readily applied or removed and when in applied position may be readily shifted within the drawer as required.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved filing cabinet or the like whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention inafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken through a filing cabinet structure constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a view in front elevation of the casing as herein disclosed with the drawer removed;

Figure 3 is-a fragmentary view in rear elevation of the casing;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the mouth portion of the casing with the drawer in a position to be entirely removed from within the casing;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing the drawer at its normal limit of outward movement;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating the support or follower in applied position;

Figure 7 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line 1-1 of Figure 6 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 but showing the follower in an intermediate position when either applying or removing the same;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing the follower in its first position when being applied or its final position when being removed.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, C denotes a casing comprised in my filing cabinet structure and which is preferably formed of sheet metal and is of such dimensions and configuration to substantially snugly house a sliding drawer D which is also preferably made of sheet metal.

The casing C, as herein disclosed, comprises an elongated tubular member consisting of a bottom wall I, a top wall 2 and the side walls 3. The front end of the casing C is open but the back or rear end is closed by the back wall 4 will heresnugly fitting within the casing C and having v Snugly fitting within the front or mouth end portion of the casing C is aframe F preferably of strap iron and which is also preferably held in place by having the walls of the casing C spot' welded thereto.

As particularly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it is to be noted that the bottom wall I of the casing is so constructed as to have an extended forward end portion 6 which is returned to overlie the bottom member I of the frame F and extending in close contact with the bottom wall I. This extended portion is spot welded or otherwise closely secured to the bottom wall I. This returned portion 6 materially adds to the appearance and strength of the casing C and provides a smooth surface upon which the drawer D may slide.

By use of the returned portion 6 it is not necessary that the frame F be cast in one piece but, on the contrary, this frame F may comprise a desired strip of metal properly formed with the meeting ends of the strip effectively encased by the returned portion 6.

The drawer D is also of a conventional structure and is of such dimensions as to be freely received within the casing C for endwise movement. This drawer D comprises a bottom wall 8 and the comparatively low side walls 9. The rear of the drawer D is closed by a back plate It! which extends a desired distance above the side walls 8 and the side marginal portions of this back plate H! are formed to provide the forwardly directed flanges II. The front end of the drawer D is closed by the front plate I2 which also extends above the side walls 9 and the side marginal portions of this front plate It! are defined by the inwardly disposed flanges M. The back plate l and the front plate l2 both are of such size as to readily pass through or be received within the frame F so that said frame F in itself offers no hindrance or obstruction to the outward or inward movement of the drawer D with respect-to the casing C.

As is particularly illustrated in Figure 1, when the drawer D is fully inserted the front wall I2 is snugly received within the mouth portion of the casing C and more particularly the frame F while the rear wall In of the drawer D closely approaches the rear wall 4 of the casing C.

The rear portion of the bottom wall 8 of the drawer D carries the conventional gliders l5 for contact with the bottom wall I of the casing C. These gliders l5 serve'to maintain the drawer D in effective position within the casing C and also facilitate the sliding movement of the drawer.

The side members 16 of the frame F at a desired position below the top member I! of the frame are provided with the inwardly disposed and transversely aligned pins I8 of a length to intersect the path of travel of the flanges ll of the back wall I0 and the flanges 14 of the front wall I2 so that normally these pins l8 coact with the flanges II and M to limit the extent of outward movement of the drawer D wtih respect to the casing C and also to limit the extent of inward movement of the drawer D. This limitation by the pins l8 of the extent of inward movement of the drawer D is of particular advantage to balance the drawer D in proper alignment and position within the casing C especially when the back wall or panel 50f the casing C is out of alignment. In other words, these pins l8 coact with the flanges It not only to limit the extent of inward movement of the drawer D but assure the drawer D when fully inserted within the casing C being aligned.

When the drawer D, in normal use, is pulled out, the rear flanges II contact with the pins l8 as illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawings to limit the extent of outward movement of the drawer D. These pins, however, allow the drawer D when withdrawn to drop into a downwardly slanting position and in which position the drawer D with its load is substantially entirely supported by the pins [8. This is of importance as with the drawer in this downward slanting position when withdrawn, the application or removal of records to be placed within the drawer D can be done easily as the papers within the drawer D will bear down on the front wall or panel I! of the drawer. This advantageous result would not be true if the drawer D when extended was in a horizontal position as the papers or the like therein would not automatically compact but, on the contrary, have a tendency to individually or separately drop.

This downward slanting position of the drawer D when withdrawn is permitted by having the back plate ID with its flanges ll terminating a distance below the top wall 2 of the casing when the drawer D is in its closed or partially closed position within the casing. This dropping of the drawer when extended is also further facilitated by having the forward vertical edges of each of the flanges ll upwardly and rearwardly inclined as is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is also to be noted that the gliders ii are so spaced from the back plate of the drawer D to have said gliders engaged with the returned forward end portion 6 of the bottom wall I above the bottom member I of the frame F when the flanges II are in contact with the pins l8. -The gliders l5 at this time serve as fulcrums to readily allow the dropping of the extended drawer D to a downward slanting position.

It is necessary in my invention as herein disclosed that the upper marginal portions of the side walls 9 be a material distance below the pins l8 when the drawer D is in its inserted position within the casing C. This is required in order to fully retract the drawer from within the casing C or to apply the drawer D into the casing C.

When it is desired to entirely withdraw the drawer D from within the casing C, it is pulled forwardly as far as possible as permitted by the pins l8 whereupon the front end portion of the drawer D is swung upwardly which will allow the bottom rear portion of the drawer D to swing entirely from within the casing C whereupon said rear end portion of the drawer D can be lowered to release the flanges I I from the pins l 8.

In applying the drawer D within the casing C the operation just mentioned is reversed, that is to say, the drawer D is downwardly and rearwardly inclined and the rear portion of the drawer D inserted within the mouth portionof the casing C with the flanges ll moved upwardly to the rear of the pins l8. When the drawer D has assumed substantially a horizontal position it can be readily moved inwardly of the casing C.

In use cabinets constructed in accordance with my invention are often placed in stack and in order to facilitate such an arrangement, the mouth end portion of the casing C is provided with an upstanding pin l8 to engage within an opening in the forward or mouth end portion of the cabinet superimposed thereon. This openin: 20, as illustrated in Figure 1, is continued through the bottom member 1 of the frame F and the pin |9, as illustrated in Figure l, is directly mounted upon the top member H of the frame F. This pin I9 and opening 20 are preferably at the transverse center of the casing.

The casing C at its transverse center is also provided with an upstanding headed shank 2| which is adapted to be received within a V-slot 22 provided in the bottom wall I and adjacent flange 22 of the superimposed cabinet. In mounting one cabinet upon another, the headed shank 21 is first engaged within the slot 22 and then the pin 19 is caused to extend or fit within the opening 20. This coaction between a V-slot 22 and the headed shank 2| of superimposed cabinets is of importance as a firm attachment between superimposed cabinets at the rear thereof is assured. This connection is necessary to particularly prevent the upper cabinets of a stack from tilting forward when a drawer D with its load is extended from within its casing C.

The front wall or panel l2 of the drawer D is provided with a conventional handle or hand hold 23 to facilitate the sliding of the drawer D. This front wall or panel 12 may also be provided with suitable means, as at 24, for holding an index card or the like.

The upper marginal portions of the side walls 9 are inwardly returned to provide the internal depending flanges 25. These flanges 25 are spaced from the adjacent portions of the side walls 9 proper whereby is provided downwardly facing trackways 25 for the support or follower S.

As herein comprised, the support or follower S embodies a body plate 21 of a width to fit substantially snug transversely within the drawer D. The marginal portions of this plate 21 are defined by the rearwardly directed bottom flange 28, side flanges 29 and top flange 30, said flange 30 being preferably of a reverted type. These flanges 28, 29 and 30 assure the support or follower S having requisite strength and rigidity while the side flanges 29 provide means for the proper securing of the retaining plates 3|. The plates 3| are each of a height substantially equal to the height of a side wall 9 and of a length less than the distance between the bottom wall 8 of the drawer D and the lower marginal portions of the flanges 25. Diagonally opposed corner portions of each of the plates are rounded, as at 32. These rounded edges are outwardly disposed and each is preferably described on an arc of about the approximate axial center of the plate 3|.

As particularly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the plate 21 is secured between the plates 3| on a predetermined rearward angle with respect to the longitudinal axes of the plates 3| so that when the support or follower S is in applied or working position within the drawer D, the plate 21 will be disposed on a desired upward and rearward incline to facilitate transfer of records or facilitate access to the records within the drawer D in advance of the follower.

In applying the follower S, it is first placed within the drawer D with the plate 21 forwardly directed and the longitudinal axes of the plates 3| at right angle to the bottom wall or plate of the drawer D. In this position the plates 3| will be positioned entirely below the flanges 25 as is clear ly illustrated in Figure 9. Upon swinging the plate 21 upwardly as indicated in Figure 8, the lower forward rounded corners of the plates 3| will rock upon the bottom wall 8 of the drawer and the upper marginal portions of the plates 3| enter the trackways 26 until the plate 21 assumes its full or effective working position as illustrated in Figure 7. In removing the support or follower S the reverse operation is employed.

The plates 3| may be secured to the side flanges 29 in any manner desired but preferably by spot welding, as indicated at 33. The plate 21 is of a size to extend a desired distance above the side walls 9 when the support or follower is in working position and this support or follower S may be slid into any desired positionalong the drawer D.

In shifting the support or follower S it is preferred that the plate 21 be substantially vertically disposed or arranged at right angles to the bottom wall 8 of the drawer as illustrated in Figure 8. When the plate 21 is in its rearward slanting position, as illustrated in Figure 6, it is effectively locked in such position.

To facilitate the entrance of the upper portion of each of the plates 3| within its trackway 26, said upper portion of the plate 3| is outwardly offset, as at 34 (see. Figure 1). It is also to be stated that said upper offset portion 34 of the plate 3| is free from the plate 21 or more particularly the flanges 29 thereof. This separation of the upper portions of the plates 3| allows for expansion as when the drawers are overloaded the side walls 9 have a tendency to expand. However, when the support or follower, as herein disclosed, is under such expansion the plates 3| will pull and sway out with the side walls 9 without disengaging from the trackways 26.

It is to be particularly pointed out that the support or follower S as comprised herein is one which is not a permanent part of the drawer D, requires but little space when in applied position, readily slides into any position desired along the drawer, and readily locks itself in any desired selective position.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a filing cabinet or the like constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. A filing cabinet comprising a casing having an open front, inwardly disposed parts carried by the sides of the casing at the open front portion thereof and spaced below the top of the casing, a drawer slidably engaging within the casing, said drawer having front and rear walls of a height less than the interior height of the open front of the casing, and side walls having their upper margins a material distance below the top margins of the front and rear walls, the rear wall contacting with the inwardly directed parts at the front of the casing for normally limiting the outward movement of the drawer, contact of the front wall with said parts limiting the inward movement of the drawer and aligning the drawer within the casing, said parts at the front of the casing being so positioned to allow the rear wall of the drawer to pass thereunder when the drawer is extended a nd the outer end portion of the drawer raised, and a glider carried by the bottom wall of the drawer at the rear thereof, said glider being so spaced inwardly of the rear wall to be positioned closely adjacent to the open front of the casing when the rear wall contacts with the inwardly directed parts, said glider when in such position serving as a fulcrum to allow the extended drawer to drop into a downward slanting position, the rear wall being of a height less than the height of the casing sumcient to permit dropping of the extended drawer into said downward slanting position.

2. A filing cabinet comprising a casing having an open front, inwardly disposed parts carried by the sides of the casing at the open front portion thereof and spaced below the top of the casing, a drawer slidably engaging within the casing, said drawer having front and rear walls of a height less than the interior height of the open front of the casing, and side walls having their upper margins a material distance below the top margins of the front and rear walls, the rear wall contacting with the inwardly directed 'parts at the front of the casing for normally limiting the outward movement of the drawer, contact of the front wall with said parts limiting the inward movement of the drawer and aligningthe drawer within the casing, said parts at the front of the casing being so positioned to allow the rear wall of the drawer to pass thereunder when the drawer is extended and the outer end portion of the drawer raised, said parts also providing means to support the drawer when extended in a downwardly inclined position, and a glider carried by the bottom wall of the drawer at the rear thereof, said glider being so spaced inwardly of the rear wall to be positioned closely adjacent to the open front of the casing when the rear wall contacts with the inwardly directed parts, said glider when in such position serving as a fulcrum to allow the extend- 

